Meningococcal Vaccines

These vaccines protect against the bacteria which cause Meningococcal disease, which can be severe and can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood.

The Meningococcal Conjugate vaccine (brand name: Menactra) is administered in a two-dose series and protects against four types of the bacteria which cause meningococcal disease: serogroups A,V,W,Y.

Many colleges and universities require this vaccine for their students and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal conjugate vaccines for all first-year college students living in residence halls. This vaccine is typically administered at age 11, with a booster at age 16.

The Meningococcal B vaccine (brand name: Bexsero), which was introduced in 2015, is administered in a two- or three-dose series and protects against the serogroup B bacteria which can cause meningococcal disease. Although this vaccine is not widely available, RVNA is able to offer it as part of our Public Health service to our communities.

The CDC recommends the three-dose series for individuals who are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred on several college campuses across the nation, including Princeton University, Providence College, Oregon State, and UC/Berkeley, among others.

If your college or university requires you or your student to have these vaccine(s), or if you choose to take them independently, please contact RVNA to make an appointment at 203-438-5555 x1119. A prescription from your physician is required and there is a fee for the administration of these vaccines.